advice please

[kps36]

This is not about the Explorer, but my 95 Ranger 4-banger so it is Ford related. The truck has 68K, runs fine, BUT about a month ago the Check Engine Light came on and STAYS on. I clear the CEL, leave the - term off about 15 min., it will go for about 3-4 days, then the CEL appears and stays on. I have seen in most others the light will not come on at first then 5 min. later comes on, goes off..intermittent if you will. This one is on all the time. Well, an OBD-II reader costs $150-200. Everyone around hear wants $60-70 juct to read the codes!. I even asked if it happens to be the O2 sensors, yes the 95 Ranger 4cyl has 2, and I say go ahead and fix, will you refund the reading fee? NO. I had one guy tell me that because of the mileage at @65K the CEL will come on and even though nothing is wrong, only a 'computer' can clear the codes, not a code-reader, forcing me into the dealerhip so that they can 'find' something wrong.
Any hint, serious advice.
I'm at wits end.
PS. The Ranger only gets about 18.5 mpg, which is less than the Expl. with 75K.!!
thnx in advance.

 

[mattadams]

if the check engine light goes off for a few days then comes back on, it isn't the mileage related issue (I know some newer fords have that, even my sisters pathfinder had it... it would hit a certain milage (in the f-150's I believe its somewhere around 30,000, on the pathfinder it was 46,000 miles) and once you disconnected the battery for about 15 minutes, then plugged it back in, it would then work properly without the light. I'd fix the O2 sensors without paying to read the codes, since those will possibly be going bad and they aren't terribly expensive, then if that's not it, then have the codes read... my bet would be its the O2 sensor though, that's typically what it is. I think rather then "Check Engine" there should be a "check o2 sensor" light. Guess that wouldn't cause the same amount of panic as a "check engine" light though.

 

[kps36]

Thnx Matt, I was thinking the same. The cost to just read the codes would buy 1 O2 sensor. I think I will book a date with my friendly garage to do this, I have neither the time nor garage to do.
BTW..we all complain about changing the spark plugs on our Explorers, .. you ain't lived until you change all 8, yes eight, on the 2.3L 4 cyl. ..You HAVE TO pull the intake manifold to get to the drivers side bank. And the the TStat is another story, can you say how well can you 'feel' the bolts??..I have a Haynes, but have not been able to locate the PCV valve yet on the actual engine, and it does have one.
LONG LIVE the 4.0L V6 !!
Thanx again.
more input?